Almond Blossom Ball celebrates fifth year raising funds for school

Avalena and Jack LeClair dance Saturday at the Fifth Annual Almond Blossom Ball held by Whittenberg Country School at the Ridgeway Park Recreation Hall.
Julie Zeeb - Daily News

Red Bluff >> The Almond Blossom Ball celebrated its fifth year on Saturday with a small crowd filling almost every inch of the Ridgeway Park Recreation Hall.

Aaron Peterson, who was DJ for the remainder of the evening, and Josh Paul, two of the members of Red Bluff-based band Flagship Armada, provided live music for the opening part of the dance, an annual fundraiser for the Whittenberg Country School.

Throughout the evening, the audience heard tunes from love songs to ‘80s music and even music for learning the Virginia Reel.

“We pre-sold about half of our tickets, but we’re hoping to max out the place at about 200 people,” said Principal and teacher Zach Whitten. “We’re trying to get to the point of all of our tickets being pre-sale so we know who is coming, but we’re getting there.”

The event is one of three fundraisers held each year, with proceeds from the ball going toward the arts program at the school.

“The bulk of the fundraiser tonight comes from the silent auction,” Whitten said. “The tickets cover the cost of the event itself so we know it’s successful in the measure, but the critical part is the silent auction. The bulk of the funds from it go to special art teachers. Things like visual arts and guitar lessons.”

Funds from previous events have helped pay for the sound system used Saturday, which saves having to rent one.

The two remaining fundraisers include the Old Time Country Faire scheduled for June 10, and the Pumpkinhead Bicycle Ride set for Oct. 14. The faire provides funds for books and scholarships while the ride brings in money for outdoor education, including play equipment.

The school’s enrollment period begins March 1, with informational meetings planned for parents of prospective students. For more information, call 526-7649 or visit http://www.whittenbergcountryschool.org/.